SEAT Tango

          The SEAT Tango roadster is a concept car presented at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, designed by a team directed by Walter de Silva with the contribution of SEAT's chief of exterior design, Steve Lewis.^[1]

Featuring a two-door two-seater roadster body style riding on a cut-down SEAT Ibiza platform, it is powered by a 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.8L 20VT engine which drives the front wheels. While it was an internal concept, it was originally intended to be called the Tanga because of its rear end lines, however that name was turned down by Volkswagen Group's management as it was found rather provocative.^[2]

Extensive safety measures were also integrated into the project: in addition to the progressive deformation structure and central passenger cell which help to cushion impact, it was also equipped with twin front airbags, side airbags, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems.

Potential production[edit source]

The SEAT Tango was for a long time the subject of speculation on whether would become a production model.^[3] Although supported by SEAT's (and later Volkswagen Group's) chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder,^[4] and an important model in order to boost the brand's auto emoción sporting image and the overwhelming response from the public, the Tango never got the green light for production: SEAT's integration in the following years in the 'Audi brand group' meant that decisions had to be made in consensus with guidance from Audi's management. However Audi was opposed to making the Tango a real road car at all costs according to Audi board chairman Martin Winterkorn who announced "I am not signing a production contract with blood until I see the right numbers." ^[5] and instead favoured new models in segments that were thought to make more sense in sales terms, like the SEAT Altea MPV which was meant to succeed Audi's own Audi A2 model.^[6]

Awards[edit source]

• 'Autonis award 2002' for the concept car category ^[7]

Engine[edit source]

• Type: 20 valve Turbocharged Inline 4 cylinder DOHC
• Displacement cu in (cc): 110 ( 1781 )
• Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 177.5 ( 132.4 ) / 5600
• Torque ft·lbf (Nm) at RPM: 173 ( 235.0 ) / 2100-5000

The SEAT Tango roadster
presented at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show

SEAT Tango, rear view

Suspension, brakes and tires[edit source]

• Driveline: front wheel drive
• Suspension: front MacPherson struts / rear suspension with a degree of self steer
• Brakes front/rear: vented disc / disc, ABS-ESC-TCS

Exterior dimensions and weight[edit source]

• Length × Width × Height in: 145.1 × 67.5 × 46.5
• Weight lb (kg): 2535 ( 1150 )

Performance[edit source]

• Acceleration 0–100 km/h s: 7.0
• Top Speed mph (km/h): 146 ( 235 )

Derivatives[edit source]

Based on the SEAT Tango roadster, there have been some more derivative models:

• SEAT Tango spyder
• SEAT Tango coupé
• SEAT Tango Racer

[edit source]